Iran has officially responded to a letter from US President Donald Trump, opening the door to indirect nuclear negotiations while firmly rejecting direct talks under the current "maximum pressure" sanctions. The response, delivered via Oman, comes amid heightened tensions following Trump’s threats of military action and the recent deployment of US stealth bombers to the Middle East. This development marks a critical moment in US-Iran relations as both sides navigate a complex diplomatic and military standoff.
Iran’s Formal Response to Trump
On March 27, 2025, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed to IRNA that Iran had sent its official response to Trump’s letter. The letter, addressed to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei earlier this month, urged fresh nuclear talks but was accompanied by White House warnings of military consequences if Iran pursued atomic weapons.
Araghchi emphasized that while direct talks are off the table due to Trump’s sanctions policy, indirect negotiations remain a viable option. "In circumstances where there is ‘maximum pressure,’ no one in their sound mind would enter into direct talks," he said. "For now, our tactic is to have indirect negotiations."
Trump’s Letter and US Military Moves
In early March, Trump revealed he had written to Iran, stating, "I hope you're going to negotiate because if we have to go in militarily, it's going to be a terrible thing for them." According to Axios, the US has recently bolstered its military presence in the region, deploying B-2 stealth bombers to Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. A US official noted this move was "not disconnected" from Trump’s two-month deadline for Iran to respond.
The B-2 bombers, capable of carrying bunker-busting bombs, are seen as a key asset for potential strikes on Iran’s underground nuclear facilities, signaling the seriousness of US threats.
Khamenei’s Warning and Iran’s Stance
Last week, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei issued a stern warning, promising a "severe slap" and "crushing blow" if the US attacked Iran, as reported by The Cradle. Iran’s distrust of US commitments stems from Trump’s 2018 withdrawal from the JCPOA nuclear deal, which has fueled skepticism about entering new agreements.
Despite this, Iran’s willingness to engage indirectly suggests a cautious openness to diplomacy, provided the format aligns with its strategic interests.
What’s Next for US-Iran Relations?
As of March 29, 2025, the situation remains fluid. Iran’s response via Oman—a neutral intermediary—keeps diplomatic channels alive, but the specter of military escalation looms large. The international community watches closely as both sides weigh their next moves.
Author: Planet Today
